Fianna Fáil Party Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD has said the Government’s failure to ratify the Istanbul Convention aimed at combating violence against women is undermining the state’s efforts to tackle domestic violence.

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl commented, “People expected the Government to move quickly to ratify the Istanbul Convention considering the need for every opportunity to be taken to tackle violence against women. It is disappointing that more progress has not been made in this area, especially when you consider that there are more women in Government now than ever before.

“The Tánaiste has already committed to ratifying the convention but nothing has happened to date. There does not seem to be any satisfactory answer for the delay in signing the convention. Over 35 countries have signed the convention so far and committed to tackling violence against women. It is disappointing that our Government has yet to sign the convention, especially when you consider that a number of advocacy groups have long been calling for this to happen.

“It seems that very little is being done to address domestic violence against women under this Government. Aside from the failure to deal with the Istanbul Convention, the Government still has not brought forward the family courts Bill despite previous commitments to do so. When I raised the matter in the Dáil yesterday the Minister could not even provide a general timeline as to when this legislation will be brought forward.

“The Government needs to prioritise its efforts to tackle violence against women. It is a serious matter that deserves adequate Government attention” said Deputy Ó Fearghaíl.

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)